Results for Travel

Tonga's new domestic airline Real Tonga began operation today by chartering a Chathams Pacific aircraft to service the outer islands, since the arrival of its Y-12 aircraft was delayed from Vanuatu.

The first of two 17 seater Y-12 aircrafts leased by Real Tonga airline from Vanuatu is expected to arrive in Tonga next week to start servicing the outer islands on March 4, 2013. Tonga's current sole domestic carrier Chathams Pacific of New Zealand would discontinue its services on March 2.

The MS Artania from Germany visited Nuku'alofa today with over 900 passengers and 500 crew.

Tonga's Ministry of Commerce, Tourism and Labour has released a calendar of upcoming local events and festivals for 2013, including the expected cruise ships, sporting competitions, and public holidays dates.

The new Vuna Wharf welcomed its first cruise ship, the Ocean Princess this morning with over 700 passengers mainly from Australia. Photos by Linny Folau.

Tonga's National Day was celebrated at the Expo 2012 Yeosu, South Korea with the hoisting of the Tongan flag and the playing of the national anthem at the Expo Hall on August 6.

The top four contestants for the Miss Heilala Tau'olunga competition were announced last night at Pangai Lahi, but the winner will be announced on the final night of the Miss Heilala Pageant on Friday July 27. Prizes were awarded last night for best costumes and for the Miss Tau'olunga Junior and Miss Tau'olunga Pre-teen traditional dancing. Photos by Linny Folau.

Seven girls have joined the 2012 Miss Heilala Pageant and will take part in an orientation program at Liku'alofa Beach Resort on Friday, July 20 before the Pageant begins next week at Pangai Lahi.

Registrations for Tonga's 2012-13 Miss Heilala Pageant remain open and so far, four contestants, including two local and two overseas girls have registered, while the organisers expect more to enter the pageant that runs from July 23-28.